NIKKI GOESER BLOG

Why should you have a gun?

2012-01-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

"The Gun Is Civilization" by Marko Kloos

Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.

In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.

When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force.The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single guy on equal footing with a carload of drunken guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.

There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed.

People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force, watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst.

The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level.The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.

When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation... and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.

So, the greatest civilization is one where all citizens are equally armed and can only be persuaded, never forced.

Defensive Gun Use: Young widow kills intruder to defend herself & baby

2012-01-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

I have had plenty of conversations with people who dislike guns & do not want them in their homes. Of course everyone has a right to their own opinion and I always try to respect that. However, I do try to point out the benefits to owning guns for defensive purposes in one's own home. I also try and help people understand that it can take longer than expected for law enforcement to arrive after you dial 911. As in the below story, it took the police over 21 minutes before arriving on scene. Had this young widow not been armed, I believe the story would have ended much differently. She is alive today to share her story.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/mom-kills-intruder_n_1183336.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3&pLid=124743&ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

My Story in NRA America's First Freedom Magazine

2011-12-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

The NRA covered my story in the November 2011 issue of America's First Freedom Magazine. I hope it will make you think about your own protection & protecting those you love.

The Nikki Goeser Story
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0dff08e3#/0dff08e3/104

2011 Decrease In Crime, Increase In Gun Sales

2011-12-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

In times of economic hardship, do crime rates go up? Not in 2011 according to the FBI. I believe part of the reason is an increase in law abiding citizens choosing to arm themselves. Gun sales have been increasing every year since Obama has been in office. Women buyers have been on the rise the past few years.
Bad guys are deterred when they realize their potential victims may very well be able to fight back. Guns in the hands of good, law-abiding people could certainly be an explanation for the decrease in crime rates.

Preliminary Crime Stats released by the FBI on 12/19/11
http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/december/crime-stats_121911/crime-stats_121911

Designer Concealed Carry Handbags

2011-12-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a concealed carry purse, consider Woolstenhulme Designer Bags. If you use my code "8876" during your purchase, you will get a $10 discount.

http://www.designerconcealedcarry.com/cgi-bin/waa1gate.isa?WAA_PACKAGE=BDS&WAA_FORM=BDSOptMenu1&C=0000000004MV

Open vs. Conceal Carry of Legal Handgun

2011-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

I struggle with open carry. At times I find myself thinking it is a bad idea, then at times I think it may be a good idea. Do I think it is a law abiding citizen's right to open carry if they choose to do so? Yes. But along with freedom of choice (which is what makes America great) comes consequences sometimes. Recently, a permit holder out of Richmond Virginia who chose to open carry, had his gun snatched away by a 16 year old thug and was killed with his own gun. I struggle with deterrence vs. the element of surprise.

The flip side to this is, there was an armed robbery that was deterred in Kennesaw Georgia at a Waffle House because two permit holders chose to carry open. The robbers saw the two legally armed men when they went in to case the place first. They decided not to go through with their robbery plan because of these two men. The permit holders thought they were suspicious and called the police who then showed up and found the robbers in cars out back with guns and masks. Both stories are posted below.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/news/2011/dec/03/1/teen-homicide-suspects-had-felony-convictions-ar-1510369/

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-atlanta/open-carry-deters-armed-robbery-kennesaw

Think twice about "No Guns Allowed" signs

2011-12-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Some businesses in Wisconsin that prohibit concealed weapons are thinking twice about posting a sign in their window. That sign is creating insurance concerns for businesses. As it should. If you post a "no guns allowed" sign but do nothing to protect your employees & patrons from a criminal bringing a gun in, you should be held accountable if an innocent person is harmed or killed there by a predator. Citizens should be allowed to carry legally to protect themselves.

http://www.wbay.com/story/16167955/2011/12/01/concealed-carry-signs-are-a-catch-22-for-businesses#.TtkOnXYpByg.gmail

You Never Need A Gun, Until You Need A Gun

2011-11-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

You never need a gun - until you need a gun

Armed Females of America ^

FOREWARD: I received this letter from a concerned husband. I thought it was written so sincerely and knowledgeably that I got permission to share it with you. My hope is that the female readers get as much out of it as I did. CARMA LEWIS, AFA NATIONAL DIRECTOR

I have some facts I would like you to share with your membership, as they relate to the safety of your members. I am currently a Counselor in the State Prison System and have been for four years, and for several years prior to that, I was a Probation Officer.

I have had the misfortune of interacting with multitudes of criminals-especially sexual offenders. What never ceases to amaze me is how lightly criminals are punished. I have NEVER had an experience with a sexual offender who had been involved with the criminal justice system for his first sex offense. What this means, is that these criminals always have previous sex-related crimes behind them, and will most likely be rapists all their pathetic lives. Our weak judges and court system will set them free, time after time, to commit more mayhem on unarmed women.
Then there are the abusive husbands and boyfriends who turn into MURDERING husbands and boyfriends, not just murdering their "lovers," but often times the woman's children, her mom and dad, sisters and brothers who try to help, and of course, their girlfriends who try to help. You know, "he walked right through that restraining order and put her in intensive care. . . " (Dixie Chicks)

Don't get me wrong here, I am 5'11" and weigh 245 lbs. I could squash my wife if I wanted to, and no woman I know here in Yuma, AZ can bench press more than I do. (almost 400 lbs.)
I think I can safely say that MOST men have a serious strength advantage over women, but NO amount of muscle or strength can prevail over a well-placed gunshot!
Do you think a rapist would try to rape a woman who he EVEN SUSPECTED had a gun?? No way in hell!! They are going to go for the weak-minded, "just don't hurt me " type, like the woman who claims she was raped and shot 5 times.
Have you ever heard of AIDS or Hepatitis, or any of the other diseases you can get?? Always remember, most rapists have been to prison at some time in their lives, I will let your imagination take care of the rest. Rapists usually become "victims" themselves in prison.
People need to wake up. Todays court system and Judges do not protect us, that is a fact!
You should see some of the plea agreements I have seen. They would turn your stomach. And the police cannot get there fast enough..........

I am so glad I live in Arizona-a state which has not yet violated the 2nd Amendment (well, not as much as some other states, anyway).
Our prison system releases predators to the streets EVERYDAY! They are out there, and they walk among us.
If your state is kind enough to allow you the means to protect yourself, you are a fool if you do not. I have had to pull a gun only once in public, and I could have shot the two people if I had wanted to. I would have been COMPLETELY justified in doing so. I didn't have to because they backed down when I brandished the gun. What if I didnt carry a gun? Not a good situation. But, I REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM!
I wish people, especially women, would wake up and realize how dangerous this world we live in really is. Always remember, people who do not follow the laws regarding murder, rape and robbery will NOT follow the laws regarding guns either. So level the playing field and carry a gun.

If anybody should pack a gun in today's society, it is women. I WORK IN A PRISON! I am not some academic expert who spouts knowledge from a classroom, I am surrounded by these scumbags all day long and I read these case files on a daily basis! WOMEN GET RAPED! THEY GET BEAT UP! THEY GET ROBBED AND CARJACKED! You have to choose to let yourself get raped, robbed or killed. What do you have to lose? Would you rather let somebody rape you, and then get AIDS? Or carry and use a gun?
My wife carries a Glock, model 30, she does just fine with it, and she only weighs 105 lbs. I am not saying she can compete or anything like that, but she is good enough with it that I would not want to be on the other end of the barrel from her.
Try to put yourself in the mind of a crack-starved scumbag and you find yourself in need of a car you will be able to rip off and sell for $50. Who are you going to jack? A small woman in a Toyota Camry? Good choice, but too bad,............. she has a gun.

My firearms instructor, at the police academy, had a saying "You never need a gun - until you need a gun, and then you need it MORE THAN ANYHTING ELSE IN THE WORLD!

Advice for Stalking Victims does not mention arming oneself

2011-05-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

While I appreciate everything The National Center for Victims of Crime does to help victims who's lives have been unalterably changed by the evil that walks amongst us everyday. This great Organization fails to give the advice that a stalking victim could consider arming oneself. Most states allow some form of carry for self defense. While Law Enforcement plays a substantial role in fighting crime, they cannot be anywhere & everywhere at anytime. The best way to protect yourself is to carry the best defensive tool possible....a gun. The advice that is given basically tells the victim that they need to completely restructure their life & give up their freedoms. The advice given could certainly help but none of that advice will help you if your stalker is violent and bent on finding you. Evil comes unexpectedly and there is no guarantee that even carrying a gun for self defense will keep you from being harmed but it will give you a fighting chance. While a legally carried gun does not make you invincible, it does increase the odds that you will be able to defend yourself especially against a predator who is stronger than yourself. It is important to be trained on justifiable use of force and defense shooting skills for those that choose to carry. I would like to see this given as an option on their website as I believe it is important. Here is their advice below.

Stalking Safety Tips

Safety Anytime:
If possible, have a phone nearby at all times, preferably one to which the stalker has never had access. Memorize emergency numbers, and make sure that 911 and helpful family or friends are on speed dial.
Treat all threats, direct and indirect, as legitimate and inform law enforcement immediately.
Vary routines, including changing routes to work, school, the grocery store, and other places regularly frequented. Limit time spent alone and try to shop at different stores and visit different bank branches.
When out of the house or work environment, try not to travel alone and try to stay in public areas.
Get a new, unlisted phone number. Leave the old number active and connected to an answering machine or voicemail. Have a friend, advocate, or law enforcement screen the calls, and save any messages from the stalker. These messages, particularly those that are explicitly abusive or threatening, can be critical evidence for law enforcement to build a stalking case against the offender.
Do not interact with the person stalking or harassing you. Responding to stalker's actions may reinforce their behavior.[1]
Consider obtaining a protective order against the stalker. Some states offer stalking protective orders and other victims may be eligible for protective orders under their state's domestic violence statutes.
Trust your instincts. If you're somewhere that doesn't feel safe, either find ways to make it safer, or leave.
If in imminent danger, locate a safe place. Consider going to:
Police Station
Residences of family or friends (locations unknown to the perpetrators)
Domestic violence shelters
Place of worship
Public areas (some stalkers may be less inclined toward violence or creating a disturbance in public places).

Safety at home:
Identify escape routes out of your house. Teach them to your children.
Install solid core doors with dead bolts. If all keys cannot be accounted for, change the locks and secure the spare keys. Fix any broken windows or doors.
Have a code word you use with your children that tells them when they need to leave.
Inform neighbors and, if residing in an apartment, any on-site managers about the situation, providing them with a photo or description of the stalker and any vehicles they may drive if known. Ask your neighbors to call the police if they see the stalker at your house. Agree on a signal you will use when you need them to call the police.
Pack a bag with important items you'd need if you had to leave quickly. Put the bag in a safe place, or give it to a friend or relative you trust.
Consider putting together a "stalking sack" that includes the stalking log, a camera, information about the offender, etc. More information on Stalking Sacks.

Safety at work and school:
Give a picture of the stalker to security and friends at work and school.
Tell your supervisors. They have a responsibility to keep you safe at work.
Ask a security guard to walk you to your car or to the bus.
If the stalker contacts you, save any voicemails, text messages, and e-mails.
Give the school or daycare center a copy of your protective order. Tell them not to release your children to anyone without talking to you first.
Make sure your children know to tell a teacher or administrator at school if they see the stalker.
Make sure that the school and work know not to give your address or phone number to anyone.
Keep a copy of your protective order at work.

CASA FIESTA does not allow Right to Carry Permit Holders to dine there

2010-06-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

My very favorite restaurant (CASA FIESTA 111 Bell Road, Antioch ,Tn) does not allow law abiding (handgun carry permit holders) to dine in their Restaurant. I have always LOVED this place as they have the best salsa I have ever had. Now that the Restaurant Carry Bill has passed, we have a "choice" when it comes to these great Restaurants that happen to also serve alcohol. Do we go there and remove our ability to defend ourselves or do we stick to our guns and spend our money somewhere that honors our 2nd Amendment Rights?

CASA FIESTA has every right to post whatever kind of sign they wish at their establishment (it is their property afterall). However, I also have the right to say I will no longer spend my money there. Criminals will ignore their sign and will carry a gun anyway. The "No Guns Allowed" sign above their hostess stand on the wall will do nothing to stop a robbery or something worse. There will be no law abiding citizens who are armed & trained to stop the criminal if they ever do come in this place.(I certainly hope that never happens). I hope the management will change their policy. It is a wonderful restaurant.

Fellow permit holders....if you wish to keep your firearm on you while having a meal, this is not the place for you. If you are okay with leaving your firearm locked in your car and risking it, then go enjoy a great meal here and pray the wolf does not show up.